Iceland Road Map & Driving Guide

Everything you need to drive in Iceland safely: the main roads, the summer-only F-roads, tunnels and ferries, and the rules that catch visitors out.

  • Airports & ferries
  • Route 1 / F-roads (dashed)

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

Paved roads
90 km/h
Gravel roads
80 km/h
Drive on the
Right
Emergency number
112

Rules of the road

  • Drive on the right. Headlights must be on at all times, day and night.
  • Speed limits: 90 km/h on paved roads, 80 km/h on gravel, 50 km/h in towns and often 30 km/h in residential areas. Speed cameras are widespread and fines can be very high.
  • Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02%, so effectively do not drink at all.
  • Off-road driving is illegal everywhere, including on sand and moss. Tyre tracks scar the landscape for decades and fines are severe.
  • Single-lane bridges (Einbreið brú): the car closest to the bridge goes first.
  • Sheep roam freely in summer. Slow down when you see them by the road.

F-roads

Roads with an F prefix are mountain roads into the Highlands. They are unpaved, often have unbridged rivers, and only open in summer (usually late June to early September). A 4x4 is required by law, and most rental insurance excludes river damage. If in doubt, take a tour.

Winter driving

From October to April, roads can be icy and storms can close passes and whole sections of Route 1 at short notice. Rent a 4x4 with winter tyres (studded tyres are allowed from November to mid-April), keep the tank above half, and check three sources every morning:

Wind is the biggest hazard. Gusts above 25 m/s can push cars off the road and tear doors off. Hold car doors firmly with both hands and do not drive in red or orange wind warnings.

Renting a car in Iceland

A small 2WD car is fine for the Ring Road and Golden Circle from May to September. Choose a 4x4 for winter, for F-roads and for the Westfjords' gravel roads. Gravel protection and sand-and-ash cover are worth considering on the South Coast; check what your credit card covers before buying extra insurance.

Fuel, tolls and parking

Most petrol stations are automated and need a card with a PIN; prepaid fuel cards from N1, Olís or Orkan are an alternative. The only road toll is the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel near Akureyri, paid online. Parking is paid in central Reykjavík and at many popular sights, usually via an app such as Parka or EasyPark.

Plan your trip to Iceland

Tours & tickets

Prefer not to drive? Day tours and multi-day tours cover every region.

See tours ↗

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Frequently asked questions

Is it hard to drive in Iceland?

In summer, on the Ring Road and around the Golden Circle, driving is straightforward. Gravel roads, F-roads, wind and winter ice make it more demanding, so adjust your plans to the conditions.

Can I use my driving licence in Iceland?

Licences from the EU/EEA, the UK, the US and Canada are accepted. If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Iceland?

Usually 20 for a small car and 23 to 25 for 4x4s and larger vehicles, with at least one year of driving experience.

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.